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Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Date:

Mon, 09/15/2014

Author:

Rev. Msgr. Donald Enzweiler

I can only imagine the wonder Mary felt, as she encountered the angel messenger
who announced to her “you have found favor with God”
….when she proclaimed in turn “be it done to me according to your will.”

I can only imagine the joy Mary felt
when she held the newborn child in her arms for the first time looked into his face…

I can only imagine the love Mary felt as she watched her son grow
his thoughtfulness and dedication, his contribution to Joseph’s work
his willingness to be obedient in all things, his insights…..his interests in holy things.

I can only imagine the sorrow Mary felt
as she saw her son in bloodied clothes after being tortured and whipped
wearing a crown of thorns on his head
walking the streets of Jerusalem carrying heavy beams of wood
every step bringing him closer to Golgatha…the place of the skull.

I can only imagine the anguish Mary felt as she stood at the foot of the cross
looked upon the broken body of her son, watched him breath his last
watched him died the death of a criminal…
this innocent child of God, totally blameless
ever compassionate……never lifted a finger against another human being….

I can only imagine these things. I have never brought a child into this world.
I have never had that bond, that connection….
I have never known that intense “parent-for-child” love.

What amazes me in all this….Mary never allowed her love to become possessive.
As she experienced this most painful of human experiences, the loss, the death of her child
her heart never became bitter or angry.
She never became vindictive or unforgiving or resentful toward God.

As we ponder the experience of the Blessed Virgin Mary
we are reminded: our connection to Christ will bring us sorrow.
Yes it will bring joy and goodness and salvation….but it will also bring us sorrow.
Our eyes will be opened to the evil in the world….
and we will grieve over injustice and oppression.

And the temptation will be great to succumb to bitterness of heart,
to vindictiveness, to anger and resentment.
At such times….let us remember the Virgin Mary
and the witness she gave.
It is possible to experience the greatest of human sorrows
without losing our capacity and ability to be compassionate.

In the midst of our own sorrows let us never fail to pray: “Hail Mary, full of grace….”